In July, Screen Rant posted the first trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. That trailer was more of a teaser and I really dug it personally. Today, we have for you the brand new trailer, released internationally for your viewing pleasure.
I should probably let it be known that I am not a Harry Potter fan. The running joke amongst my movie-going friends is that I refuse to see them in theater even when we organize group events to do so. To this day, my record holds and I’ve not seen any Harry Potter film on the big screen. It’s not that I dislike the films (I enjoyed them on DVD), it’s just that I haven’t felt motivated ever to see these. There are many reasons why and you could probably find some of them by reading the comments in previous Screen Rant threads on the topic.
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However, there’s a good chance I’ll see at least one of the next three in theater though (remember, Harry Potter 7 is two movies) since I want to start reviewing movies and these are probably important ones to see.
With each installment in the franchise, the films seem to be turning more and more into a visual spectacle loaded with intense special effects. From the trailer, this film is clearly no exception.
Take a look for yourselves and see what you think:
The film appears action-packed and more mature-themed then ever as we see Harry, Hermione and Ron along with the rest of our familiar residents of Hogwarts growing up into young adults. The trailer shows Ron and some girl (Lavender Brown) making out(!), Harry trying to be a playboy and lots and lots of fire. I guess these are the three key marketing points this time around.
Harry Potter 6 was originally scheduled for release on November 21st but Warner Bros. pushed the date all the way back to next summer for it to act as a summer tentpole event. This caused a big stir amongst the fans because it was very last-minute and even though the film appears to have been completed (or very near completion), we won’t see it in theaters until July 17th, 2009. To me, this makes no sense because this film will make an insane amount of money and everyone who wants to see it, will see it whether it be November or July, but I suppose studios want to vie for the title of “biggest summer box office.”
Interestingly, the trailer ends by stating “this year.” So does that mean it still is coming soon in the U.K.? That’s extremely doubtful since it was announced to come out there on July 17th, 2009 like everywhere else. Unless of course they want this to be the most pirated movie of all time. Maybe this trailer is older and just wasn’t released till now. But even that is strange because the text at the end is the easiest and quickest part to fix.
What do you think of the trailer?
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is due out July 17th, 2009.
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80 Comments
Your mention of the Watchmen issue is a good one since I’ve only seen the trailer for the movie otherwise I know nothing about the story or characters, so I will use that and myself as an example. I’m not saying that if a person isn’t an expert on something they “can’t” write about it; what I’m saying is that if one is lacking knowledge on a topic but would like to write about it, they must do so carefully. Because of that for example, I don’t feel I’m qualified to make any comments on Watchmen other than that the trailer did not make me want to see the movie. Anything else I’d write concerning it, I fear, would show my ignorance and be a waste of time for true fans to read, and at best would be misleading to anyone who, like me, wasn’t already familiar with the story. I know there are many fans out there who are much more enlightened and capable of writing an accurate reflection on the trailer. And who knows, if they do and I read them, maybe I’ll change my mind about seeing the movie.
Did that help to clarify what I was trying to say, or was it even more confusing?
hey mattali, your comments definately clarify your opinion on that matter.
But that’s just how you would choose or choose not to write about something and there lies the difference.
I really wanted to write about this with the purpose of talking about me being completely new to Harry Potter and knowing barely anything about it.
Basically, I don’t know much about this topic and I didn’t enjoy trailers and the marketing material for the previous films enough to draw me in. These new trailers for this film in particular are changing that and I wanted to write about it and explain my personal background on the matter.
Screen Rant doesn’t just report news, and we don’t just write about things we are knowledgeable about. How many of our writers do you think have read Twilight? None. But we have a pile of articles on that. We write about what we like to write about, what we think people may enjoy reading or knowing about and we give our own opinions on the news rather than just feed readers info ripped off of sources.
The issue is, you’re not into that system or you don’t like my opinions on this specific piece. Either way is cool and our goal is to encourage discussion. However, when you post as you did, almost in an attempt to tell us what we should or should not do (or in this case me), that’s not a great comment to read. And it sounds like you forget that it’s just your opinion on how you would do things differently.
If you would like to write in your way somewhere, that’s awesome, I encourage it. But what you think may be a “waste of time for true fans to read” is just that, what you think. Perhaps true fans may be interested in the gag that I’ve not seen all the prior movies and I need some motivation to see the next, etc. etc. Or that they may be able to turn a non-fan into some who looks forward to see the upcoming films. Or maybe, I want to write an article to make fun of something I know nothing about because it has a terrible poster or a rediculous cast. Why can’t I do that? Maybe it’s a good read for someone and I can relay some info about the movie that some may want to know. The point is, it’s my choice and part of what we do here at Screen Rant. More importantly, It’s my effort being put into the articles, heh.
Check out my other articles though, I love comments and the more the merrier.
-Rob
I don’t mind your opinions, Rob, it was the misinformation that bothered me. Your opinions are yours to make, and you can write as many as you’d like. When you stray outside the realm of opinion; however, it’s wise to check your facts before writing just to make sure you remain a credible author.
By incorrect facts and misinformation, and my “sadly” lacking accurate details…I’m assuming ALL of that from your many posts are referring to the one 1-second scene of Ron kissing Lavender? The one sentence in the article I corrected on the day of?
Or were there many many many other mistakes still in the article? Geeze man.
“I love comments and the more the merrier.”
After reading your last post, I’m afraid you don’t love my comments!
That’s ok; I’ve not taken offense.
But to answer your question, except for the misuse of a word (one that is commonly misused), it looked good to me. I thought originally there were also some misspellings, but if your article was where I saw them, you have corrected them.
lol. The only edit I made was putting Lavender Brown’s name in there.
You take offense? what about me!
Your comments made it sound like I messed every detail and fact and it was full of crazy horrible (and sad) misinformation when all I did was guess the wrong lady from the one-second scene. I’m forgiving myself on that one since I’ve not read the books but know who Ron ends up with.
My fact-checking doesn’t including “Who does Ron kiss in this scene is this movie”, hehe, especially since I *thought* I knew who it was. Me = wrong, but corrected a long time ago
You are free to take offense if you’d like even though I didn’t intend to give it.
“I ‘thought’ I knew who it was.”
Knowledge is power. 
That was my point. Staying in the realm of opinion is safe. You take real chances when you jump to conclusions…especially if the jump is the wrong way!
And knowing is half the battle.
Now on to my newer posts, I would love to see your comments on them. Especially the Superman one.
Hm, Superman…I’m not sure I can give much input there. I’m rather new to the whole comic book genre. I know a little about Batman but only because of the movies.
Wow! I never read the comments on Screen Rant. I just came here to see the HBP trailer. But, I wanted to know what everyone’s opinion was and came across the discussion between Mattali and Rob. I liked reading your posts especially since they are more mature (meaning mainly younger people post). I have to ask then, Rob, are there any openings at Screen Rant? If you don’t need to do any research on anything you see or write, I’d imagine I could do what you do! But, I must add (just as a friendly jab), I read most of the books understand Mattali’s point. (I will be reading HBP before the movie comes out) Heck, he writes extremely well. Maybe he should review for Screen Rant.
Hey, TJ, thanks for your comments. Good for you in regard to your desire to write.
I also have a question for Rob…where do I find your Superman post?
Nevermind, Rob, I found it!
I have to say that this has been one of the more interesting threads i have read in a while. When writing on anything you must be prepared to be critiqued by others particularly those with more information about a topic. This is a good thing it helps us learn and explore topics and opinions. And of course it makes writing and reading interesting
As a personal note, in other words my opinion, I don’t think any film based on a book can be reviewed or critiqued without the book being read also. The reason there is a film is because of the book, so how that film brings the story to life is very important. This i why i did not like the HP: Goblet of Fire film as it was all visual effects and no substance and the book had a lot substance. Hopefully this film will not be the same.
Again, of COURSE a movie based on a book can be critiqued on its own. A movie is a stand alone piece of work, regardless if it was based on an older movie, TV show, short story or novel.
You can say you don’t like how certain aspects were CHANGED, but you shouldn’t have to read a book as a prerequisite to seeing a film.
What I might agree with is that a review would be influenced by someone having read the book, and that would cause them to look at the film differently – which would be of greater interest to fans of the source material.
But it’s not a requirement.
Vic
Nic82 wrote “This is why I did not like the HP: Goblet of Fire film as it was all visual effects and no substance and the book had a lot substance.”
You are correct. I was very disappointed as well with the film. Visual effects are great when done well, but they are no substitute for a solid plot. I fear that the second suffered greatly because of the emphasis on the first in that film. It also dropped or minimalized key story lines which is very difficult to reconcile in the ensuing films. I wonder if that’s why they feel they need to make the last book into two movies…are they using that as their “catch up” time?
hi to all i have a question the game and movi should have the premier on 17 november and new are they stupyd 6 months later wtf is hapening?email me if anyone has a good anser to this.
well the trailer looks amazing, very cool. i just love it. I AM completly upset b/c of the fact the they’re post-poning the movie for next summer, but come on WE ALL KNO , that TWILIGHT is coming out on nov. 21, as Harry potter was too, thats why the changed the date tho. EVENtho i think it was a little way too exagettared that summer 09 has to be the date it doesnt matter. but its 4sure that twilight was going to take over NOVEMBER, fans have been waiting 4 it, n if harry comes out the same date IT WOULD BE LIKE A BIG CHAOS!. SO i LOVED THE HP TRAILER, HOPE IT GOES AWESOME,
Something i 4got to mention, I MOVIE WOULD NEVER BE BETTER THAN A BOOK. books a filled of magic, details, and feelings. movies are just a fair of effects trying to make up for the book that obviusly MOST of the time wont be better then the BOOK itself.
ies i new that the books are great but i wasa afraid that the movi will apera in 2009 i hope is a fake and will com really soon.
@ Hilla, the reason for the release date being changed was due to the fact that WB didnt have any hit movies coming out next summer, not because of Twilight. Twilight was suppose to come out in December but was changed to November when the Harry Potter movie was officially moved.
@ chitic, its not fake, its official Harry Potter is coming out next summer. No joke here.
I just read a article on EW.com last week and it said that the four Twilight books have sold 18 million copies while the seven Harry Potter books have sold over 400 million. So I think Twilight was screaming for joy when Harry Potter was moved and even more thrilled that the Harry Potter trailer would be before their movie as well. I’m going to guess that Twilight will earn around 30 million opening weekend, any other takers want to take a guess.
definately right Scott – if Harry Potter had come out first, Twilight may not have gotten so much attention, and maybe weaker box-office results this weekend.
TJ, click my name at the top of my article and read the other 60 articles I wrote in the last 2 months bud.
Then re-read what you wrote.
I used my initals for my name Rob. My first name is Theresa. So, I believe “bud” is slightly inappropriate. Maybe YOU should re-read what I wrote. Note the word “friendly.” I guess you couldn’t read the sarcastic undertone. You take things too personally!
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809791044/trailer is great the new trailer
I have not read all the responses, so , forgive me if someone else has mentioned this… Does anyone have the guts not to go to the opening of HBP. I think we might get WB attention for changing the opening date just to try and make more money. Just the opening day. It would really make a statement. They would freak out if opening day was a flop. HP fans , dont have it in them , I think. It would be cool though.
One of the primary reasons given for the delayed release was the fact that Daniel Radcliffe was going to be in New York starring in Equus at the time. There were some dubious feelings about publicity re: the adult content of the play (including Radcliffe’s onstage nudity) overlapping with the opening of the latest Potter film. Just Google “radcliffe equus potter delay” and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
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